Shloka 2.100.56

शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)

Devanagari script

कच्चिदार्यो विशुद्धात्मा क्षारित श्चापरकर्मणा।अपृष्ट श्शास्त्रकुशलैर्न लोभाद्वध्यते शुचिः।।।।

Transliteration

kaccid āryo viśuddhātmā kṣāritaś cāpakarmaṇā | apṛṣṭaḥ śāstrakuśalair na lobhād vadhyate śuciḥ ||

Translation

May an upright and pure-hearted man—though slandered by some disgraceful allegation—not be executed out of greed, without first consulting those skilled in the śāstras.

Context

I trust a man who is honest, pure-hearted and venerable, falsely accused of adultery is not slain out of avarice without consulting experts in scriptures.

Characters & Entities

• Śāstra (scriptural/legal expertise)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Justice must be guided by truth and due process: punishment should not arise from greed or impulse, and learned counsel should be sought before severe penalties.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama probes whether Bharata’s administration protects innocents from wrongful punishment and consults lawful/scriptural authorities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Judicial fairness—restraint, consultation, and commitment to satya (truth).